Homeless Task Force has a new name

The Bonner County Homeless Task Force has undergone several "transitions" over the past six months.

First, our new name is officially Transitions in Progress Services, Inc. (TIPS.) Secondly, TIPS has a new mission statement: The mission of Transitions in Progress Services, Inc. is to help homeless families and victims of domestic violence develop self sufficiency and improve the quality of their lives. TIPS's cornerstone values are accountability, quality, integrity, and respect.

And finally, thanks to our wonderful and dedicated board of directors, TIPS is off to one of its busiest new years in some time. The board has decided that 2008 will be a year of new beginnings. The board of TIPS understands that in order to provide quality services to our clients, the organization will continue efforts to work closely with partnering agencies and value the individuals in the community that have given so much over the years. The TIPS program is currently working on a strategic plan that will ensure that our services will be available for individuals and families far into the future.

Unfortunately the waiting list for our transitional housing services continues to grow as the temperature drops. We are finding that more of our neighbors are becoming homeless due to the lack of low income housing. Their present shelter situations consists of living in cars, unheated trailers or mobile homes, or temporarily living with friends and relatives in confined spaces.

Non-profits all over the country are experiencing more competition for government funding and TIPS is no exception. If you would like to help TIPS financially or with an in-kind donation, please call us at 265-6485.

TOBY JOHNSON,

executive director

Bonner County

Homeless Task Force